“It’s about balancing the squad. Making sure that anyone who comes here can make a difference to that group.”

Martyn Woolford became Adkins’ first acquisition since taking charge six weeks ago when he signed a two year contract on Tuesday. Talks over the future of Billy Sharp are continuing after Adkins revealed the Leeds striker “dreams” of rejoining United following two previous spells in South Yorkshire.

Uwe Rosler, Adkins’ counterpart at Elland Road, has admitted to possessing a “surplus” of attacking options and named the 29-year-old in the squad which visited Tadcaster Albion for a friendly earlier this week while he oversaw a warm-up fixture against York City.